Signal



Sept. 14 1926.

G. LEWIS SIGNAL 4 Filed Sept. 30 1925 2 Sheets-Shed 1 WlTNBS:

C). 1. e/ufi/ 5 4 Imam-0R Sept. 14 1926.

G. LEWIS SIGNAL Filed Sept. 50

. 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q Z sum 6 .NVE'NTOR A I IORNEY WITNB Patented Se t. 14, 192

UNITED STATES GEORGE LEWIS, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND.

v SIGNAL.

Application filed September This invention relates to a signal, the

' general object of the invention being to provide a transparent member made in the form of an arrow and which is provided with illuminating means, with means for turning the arrow about its vertical axis, to point the arrow in the direction the-car, or traffic, is to go.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lamp in the arrow with meansfor supplying current to the same in such a manner that the movement of the arrow will not be interfered with by the conducting means.

This invention also consists in certain other features of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, to be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and specifically pointed out in the appended claim.

In describing my invention in detail, reference will be had to the accompanying drawings wherein like characters denote like or corresponding parts throughout the sev= eral views, and in which Figure 1 is a view showing the device applied to an automobile.

Figure 2 is a sectional view through the device itself.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, taken at right angles thereto.

Figure at is a sectional view through the arrow.

Figure 5 is a section on line 5-5 of Fig ure 4.

Figure 6 is a sectional view through the operating means.

Figure 7 is a view showing a modification.

Figure 8 is a view showing the device used as a traflic signal.

In these views, 1 indicates a casing which is designed to be placed on a fender or other part of a motor vehicle, as shown in Figure 1. This casing has journaled therein a horizontal shaft 2 anda vertical shaft 3, the vertical shaft passing through the top of the casing and having its inner end journaled in a cross piece 4t. An arrow-shaped signal member 5 is fastened to the upper end of the shaft 3, this member being of hollow construction and having its sides formed inpart of transparent material. The shafts 2 and 3 are connected together by the gears 30, 1925. Serial No. 59,713.

6, so that when the shaft 2 is rotated, the

shaft 3 will also be rotated to move the signal member.

A sector-shaped casing 7 is clamped to the steering post of the vehicle and carries'a hand lever 8 which is pivoted in the casing and extends through a slot therein, so that it can be manipulated by the operator of' the vehicle. A flexible member 9, preferably of stiff wire, has one end fastened to the lever 8 and its other end is fastened to an arm 10 on the shaft 2, the member passing through a flexible pipe 11. Thus when the lever 8 is manipulated, the shafts will be turned so as to turn the arrow in one direction or the other. When the lever 8 is in a central position, the arrow will point straight ahead. Thus'the operator can indicate to drivers of other vehicles, pedestrians and traffic officers his intentions to make a turn or keep straight ahead.

In order that the signal can be seen at night, I place a lamp 12 in the member 5 and connect the same by the conductors 13 with a battery B, the conductors passing through the shaft 3 which is made hollow for this purpose.

Figure 7 shows a slight modification of the invention in which the casing 1' is fastened by the clamps 14. with a part of the windshield frame of the vehicle. In other respects, this form of the invention is similar to that before described.

Figure 8 shows the invention used as a traflic signal, and in this case, the member 5 is fastened to a vertical shaft 15 which is rotatably mounted in the stand 16 and which is provided with a handle 17, so-that the shaft and member 5 can be turned by a traflic ofiicer. This member 5 is also provided with a lamp 12 which is connected with a source of supply.

The device can be used for controlling traffic at street intersections with but slight change to the operating means and the arrow can also be used alone to act as direction means when placed on roads, so that persons can easily find their way at night as well as by day. The arrows can also be used for carrying the numbers of houses and the like so that said numbers can be read at night when the arrow is lighted.

hen the device is used as a trafiic signal in the middle of a street intersection, the operating means for the same can be placed at a distant point, so that the traffic officer need not stand in the middle of the street, The operating means-may consist of a simple lever and a cable passing from the same to a pulley on the bottom of the device.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that I have provided a simple and inexpensive signal which can be readily seen at night as Well as by day and being made in the form of'an arrow, it Will be readily indentified as asignal means,

It is thought from the foregoing descrip tion that the advantages and novel features of my invention will be readily apparent.

I desire it to be understood that I may make changes in the construction" and in tl e combination and arrangement of the sever:-

al parts, provided that such changes fall within the scope of the appended claim.

hat I claim is I A device of the class described comprising a casing, a cross member therein, a shaft passing through the top of the casing and having its lower end journaled in the cross member, the shaft being also journaled in the top ofthe casing, a pinion on the shaft, a cross shaft in the casing, a gear thereon meshing with the pinion, an arm onthe shaft, anfl'exi-ble member clamped to the arm so that when forceis exertedj'upon the member the shaft. will be rocked and a signal member. carried by the upper end of the first mentioned shaft.

In testimony whereofl aflixtmy signature.

GEORGE LEWIS. 

